Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Diploma Program in Indianapolis

This course focuses on essential safety practices, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, as well as the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace safety resources. Students will learn how to locate and interpret vehicle information to ensure accurate estimates and repairs. Basic vehicle maintenance and washing skills will be introduced alongside the proper use and maintenance of common repair tools. This course covers the use of various abrasives and sanding techniques, materials used in vehicle construction, and the importance of proper material identification for effective repairs. Additionally, heating tools, corrosion protection methods, vehicle structures, collision physics, refinishing processes, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be explored. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will have a well- rounded understanding of entry-level repair techniques, industry-standard tools, and safety protocols necessary for professional vehicle maintenance and repair.

This course provides an overview of welding and fastening techniques used in vehicle repair, emphasizing safety, equipment operation, and quality assessment. Students will learn about appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and work area safety, as well as methods for protecting a vehicle during welding. Instruction covers the identification, setup, operation, and maintenance of saws, air hammers, and other cutting tools, along with spot weld removal techniques. Gas metal arc (GMA) welding is explored in detail, including equipment types, setup, operation, troubleshooting, and defect correction for both steel and aluminum. Students will also learn how to evaluate weld quality through visual inspection and destructive testing. Additional topics include aluminum welding techniques, MIG brazing procedures, and squeeze-type resistance spot welding (STRSW), covering equipment, power sources, electrode types, and defect identification. Adhesive applications in vehicle repair are examined, including types of adhesives, application considerations, and failure analysis. The course also covers hem flange removal and replacement, along with rivet bonding techniques. Professional development exercises and seminars will also be conducted. By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of welding, fastening, and adhesive bonding processes, as well as the necessary safety and quality control measures for effective vehicle repairs.

This course covers essential concepts in vehicle structural repair, including anchoring methods for unibody and full-frame vehicles and structural alignment strategies. It introduces welding and joining techniques, sectioning considerations, and factory seam part replacement. Measurement principles, including point-to-point and three-dimensional systems, are explained along with data interpretation methods. By the end this course, students will understand key tools, techniques, and procedures to ensure proper vehicle alignment and structural integrity.

This course provides a foundational understanding of vehicle electrical systems. Students will learn about electricity and electrical current flow, including key concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance, as well as troubleshooting techniques using meters and electrical diagrams. The course also covers wire repair methods and decision-making for repair versus replacement. Additionally, students will explore the operation and maintenance of cooling and air conditioning systems, including identifying system components, troubleshooting failures, and understanding regulations and handling procedures for refrigerants during the repair process. Brake system components are reviewed alongside replacement procedures and servicing considerations. Steering system types and components will be explored with a focus on post-collision inspections, part removal, and replacement techniques. Suspension systems and vehicle alignment concepts are discussed, including the effects on vehicle handling and tire wear, how to read alignment reports, and the proper procedures for removing and installing key suspension system parts based on their variations.

Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will have gained essential knowledge for diagnosing, servicing, and repairing critical vehicle systems, ensuring both safety and performance.
 

This course introduces the fundamentals of paint chemistry, refinishing terminology, and the wide range of paint products used throughout the refinishing process. Students will learn about different finishes, additives, and coatings, including undercoats, basecoats, and ultraviolet-cured materials. The importance of proper surface preparation for both metal and plastic parts is emphasized, covering materials, tools, and techniques used. The course includes an overview of equipment used in refinishing with instruction on their purpose, setup, and maintenance. Personal protection and safety requirements, including the use and maintenance of respirators, are highlighted throughout the instruction. A dedicated focus on primers explains their role in smoothing imperfections and providing corrosion protection, along with techniques for proper mixing, application, and defect correction. Additionally, students will learn methods for assessing and removing overspray without causing further damage. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of refinishing materials, surface preparation, application techniques, safety considerations, and foundational steps necessary for achieving a high-quality finish.

This course provides an overview of the specialized hand and power tools used in collision repair, with an emphasis on proper tool selection, usage, and maintenance. Students will learn to identify and handle various fasteners and safely remove seized or broken hardware. Safety precautions regarding alternative fuel systems, biohazards, and preventing additional vehicle damage during drop-off and storage are covered. The course includes an in-depth examination of vehicle interior components along with methods for organizing and storing parts and fasteners. Exterior part removal and installation, panel adjustments, and alignment techniques are covered to ensure students can efficiently start a collision repair and properly align and reattach components. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the skills to systematically disassemble, store, and reassemble vehicle components while maintaining safety and quality standards in collision repair.

This course covers the fundamentals of estimating and repair planning, including vehicle parts categorization, labor operations, and documentation practices. It explores damage analysis techniques for exterior, interior, structural, mechanical, and electrical components, emphasizing repair vs. replacement considerations.

Students will learn about estimate refinishing and non-structural processes, as well as customer communication and maintaining quality standards. Additionally, the course introduces scheduling, efficiency practices, and the transition of repair plans into production to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality vehicle repairs. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course students will be prepared to create accurate estimates, analyze damage effectively, and manage the repair process from start to finish.
 

This course introduces the dent repair processes on steel and aluminum. Students will learn to analyze damage and determine appropriate repair methods. Techniques for minor dent removal, including metal shrinking methods, and weld-on dent removal tools, will be covered with a focus on material-specific considerations. The curriculum also explores body fillers, surface preparation, paintless dent repair (PDR), and sanding techniques while addressing safety precautions. Plastics are covered including material identification, damage evaluation, and reshaping techniques using heat. Students will learn about adhesive repair methods and plastic welding procedures for proper and safe repairs. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for metal and plastic dent repair, material-specific techniques, and industry-standard safety practices.

This course covers a comprehensive understanding of spray gun operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, including the identification and assembly of its components, proper techniques for use, and necessary adjustments. Additionally, the process of surface preparation, such as block sanding and panel refinishing, will be covered to ensure smooth and effective application of coatings. The fundamentals of color theory, with the impact of lighting on color perception, will be explored to achieve accurate color matching. Various refinishing materials, such as primer-sealers, specialty finishes, and topcoats, will be defined and their application techniques explained. Furthermore, both solvent- and water-based basecoats will be examined, along with blending techniques to create seamless transitions. Special considerations for refinishing plastic parts, identifying potential defects, and applying corrective measures will also be discussed to ensure high-quality finishes. Students will learn how to apply airbrush techniques, with an emphasis on freehand skills. Students will learn how to properly select airbrush components; correctly use and maintain an airbrush; creatively layout and mask areas for airbrushing; use and apply decals. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to effectively operate and maintain spray guns, prepare surfaces for refinishing, achieve precise color matching, apply various coatings, and utilize airbrush techniques to produce high-quality automotive finishes.

This course covers advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration, including static and dynamic procedures, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting considerations. Students will learn about vehicle damage analysis related to ADAS functionality and the use of scan tools for diagnosing system issues. The course also explores alternative energy vehicle systems, including hybrid, electric, hydrogen fuel cells, and compressed gas-powered vehicles, with a focus on safety protocols, personal protective equipment, and high- voltage system service. Additionally, students will further develop their skills learned in CRT100 level classes in a shop environment. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included. By the end of this course, students will be able to accurately diagnose and calibrate ADAS components, analyze vehicle damage affecting these systems, and safely service alternative energy vehicles while applying industry-standard safety protocols and hands-on skills in a shop environment.